Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary School

I have multipleThe issue that occurred this week is "the straw that broke the camels back" to us children at this school and have been happy until this year. The teachers and principal are unwilling to help when a parent has a child that is struggling with behavior issues. We set up a plan but no one is required to follow it. If fact the principal goes out of her way to support a teacher that does the exact opposite of the recommended plan. I am so saddened by this because it was a great supportive environment before.
—Submitted by a parent

This school not only produces students who turn out the highest FCAT scores in the district - it is warm, nurturing and dedicated to helping kids of all skill levels and backgrounds achieve their potential. Our son entered the kindergarten program this year already quite academically advanced but needed a big nudge socially. Not only did he grow in leaps and bounds socially - glowing about his teacher and classmates in the evening - he grew so much academically, as his teacher tailored the lessons to challenge him. This is an exception school led by exceptional professionals. What a blessing!
—Submitted by a parent

Dear Members: The 2 star parent comment below is not about TSFE! Our school has not had any lock downs this year, no students wandering around, nor have we had any child pulled from our school this year. We are still under 290 students making us one of the smallest in the state, with other schools in the area well over 800 students. Bullying is not tolerated. Our principal is very informed, involved and always visible & available. Please feel free to contact our office for accurate information. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent

There is a lot of bullying at this school - especially when you get into 3rd-5th grade. Whenever the principal is approached with a problem she turns her head in the other direction and it is not addressed. My child was allowed to wander by himself, unsupervised! He's only 6! School is always on lockdown because of crimes being committed in the area. I do not feel safe with my child there any more. The parents are also in clicks so, in return, the students are too (which is probably part of the reason for bullying). The school has also grown and isn't as small as it used to be. I pulled my child out of this school and am much happier elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a small school that specializes in getting back to the basics of education and emphasizes parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school is the most wonderful school. The students are happy to be here, the staff is happy to be here and the parents are happy to be involved with their childrens' education. When students leave here to go to middle school and high school they want to come back. It is a great family atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

Tarpon Fundamental is an amazing example of parents, students, and teachers working together to achieve academic excellence in a caring, community. The fundamental policy molds responsible, disciplined students and gives them the tools to become successful, lifetime learners.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic, academic environment. There are few behavior problems in the classrooms because you do not have to be at the school. It is a choice and the families all are there for the same reasons. The teachers are nurturing yet have high expectations. My children soared at TSFES and when we had to more to Greenville, SC they were far ahead of the other students. I would highly recommend this school to everyone!
—Submitted by a parent

Most teachers are phenomenal! The principal is retiring this year, so next year might bring some changes. Excellent academic environment, lots of actively involved parents. Great for those who want a small school setting. Most people there get to know everyone else. Fewer than 300 kids for the entire school!
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school! Terrific teachers and support staff! Very caring environment. This school has a very high level of parental involment.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! I was a student there and I miss the Elementary School days! Middle school is O.K., but the teachers at TSES are the best!
—Submitted by Dee, a former student

A great school with high FCAT scores. Garunteed to get in to coachmen fundamental which is a highly acclaimed middle school great teachers to work with stricht but gentle with care. Students work hard with anticipation and the teachers encourage student envolvment with a multi-cultural commitee and student council and lots of fundraisers this school is a safe and fun place for your children to learn in a public environment with a high rate of students with grades a's and b's.
—Submitted by Michael Newcomer, a former student